Effect of a High-Heat-Capacity Mattress Topper on Sleep in Elite Badminton Players During a Summer Training Period: Does 1 Size Fit All?

Purpose: Inadequate sleep quantity or quality is common in elite athletes and may worsen with high summer temperatures. High-heat-capacity bedding systems have demonstrated beneficial effects on several sleep parameters. The present study evaluated the effect of a high-heat-capacity mattress topper (HMT) on sleep quantity and quality in elite badminton players during a summer training period.

Methods: In a randomized, single-blinded, and counterbalanced order, 14 elite badminton players completed two 1-week conditions: sleeping on HMT and on a low-heat-capacity mattress topper. Sleep-wake patterns and perceived sleep quality were assessed daily using actigraphy and sleep diaries alongside nocturnal thermal comfort and sensation. Nocturnal core body temperature was monitored continuously for 2 consecutive nights per condition. Seven players also performed a 1-night polysomnography in each condition for gold-standard assessment of sleep architecture.

Results: Despite a significant reduction in core body temperature (-0.037 °C, P < .001), sleeping on HMT did not affect any sleep variable or perceived sleep quality, thermal comfort, or sensation (all P > .05) compared with a low-heat-capacity mattress topper. Nevertheless, players with poorer sleep efficiency (<91.6%) and longer wake after sleep onset (>27.1 min) showed significant improvements in sleep efficiency (+1.5%, P < .01) and wake after sleep onset (-6.4 min, P < .001) relative to those wither greater values.

Conclusions: This study highlights that HMT did not improve sleep quantity and quality in elite badminton players. However, it provides evidence of improved sleep efficiency and reduced wakefulness for those with more disturbed sleep, suggesting an individual approach when prescribing this sleep strategy.